Prescription drug abuse is one of the most common problems in the United States. Experts even claim that prescription drug abuse statistics are on the rise. This increase makes people ask, “Why are these numbers climbing so fast?” Studies have found that there are a number of reasons why prescription drug abuse continues to rise.
The Main Culprit Behind the Rise in Prescription Drug Abuse Statistics
What has caused the rise in prescription drug abuse statistics? Pharmaceutical companies point their fingers at illegal street drugs. However, the real problem may stem from the pharmaceutical industry itself. Companies make more money if people keep taking drugs than if they cure the underlying problem.
To further drive home this point, studies show that most prescription drug problems start with a legitimate prescription. It’s not until clients can no longer get their prescriptions that they turn to illegal street drugs. If this is the case, the prescriptions that people get legitimately open the door to prescription drug addiction.
Of course, this conclusion doesn’t mean that all prescription drugs are bad. In fact, most of them have practical medical uses. However, doctor-prescribed drugs still cause addiction in millions of people in the United States.
Prescription Drugs Are Easy to Get
Another reason why prescription drug abuse continues to grow is due to how easy drugs are to get. Some studies point to doctors who overprescribe medicines. Instead of looking for the underlying cause, they hand clients a prescription.
Also, most families don’t lock up their prescription drugs. With them sitting out in the open, it’s easy for teens to give into temptation. The temptation typically happens after kids try their parents’ prescriptions.
Studies show that teens who use prescription drugs at a young age are more likely to develop an addiction. The risk follows young adults throughout their college years when drugs are readily available.
The Spectrum of Prescription Drug Abuse
Experts have come up with a spectrum of prescription drug abuse. There are three situations in which improper use of prescription drugs usually happens, including:
- Taking other people’s prescription drugs to self-medicate
- Taking prescription drugs with the intent of getting high
- Using prescriptions in improper ways
In all three of these situations, addiction to prescription drugs can occur. In fact, most teens receive their first taste of prescription drugs for free from a relative or friend.
Let Us Help You Overcome Prescription Drug Problems
Finding addiction treatment for prescription drug abuse isn’t hard. At Ashley Addiction Treatment, we provide people of all ages with treatment for a wide range of addictions. From prescription drugs to heroin addiction, we can help you get clean again. Some of the different substance abuse programs that we offer include:
- Group therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Individual therapy
- Pain management
Find out what it takes to overcome your addiction. Let us guide you toward the path to sobriety. Contact us now at 866-313-6307 for more details about the services and programs that we offer.
